If you have been searching for the perfect sweet treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with creamy decadence, look no further than this irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars bring together tender spiced apples, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with a dreamy salted caramel drizzle. Every bite is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and salty that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, these cheesecake bars are bound to become a beloved staple you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards creating this amazing dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the bar’s rich flavor, satisfying texture, and inviting color.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery base that perfectly supports the creamy cheesecake and apples.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling to just the right level without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spiciness that enhances the apple filling and crust.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the crust and caramel sauce, helping everything hold together.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, delivering velvety smoothness and tang.
- Eggs: Bind the filling perfectly and create the ideal cheesecake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the entire dessert with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and ultra-creamy texture to the cheesecake layer.
- All-purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling and ensures a smooth finish.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Provide tartness and a tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheesecake.
- Brown sugar: Used in the apple topping and caramel to deepen sweetness and create a luscious syrup.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon in the apple topping.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling, balancing the sweetness with a refreshing zing.
- Heavy cream: Essential for making that perfectly smooth, thick salted caramel sauce.
- Sea salt: The star ingredient in salted caramel—it enhances all the sweetness and adds a wonderful contrast.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or greasing it well. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon before stirring in melted butter to bind everything. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer. Bake this crust for 10 minutes to set it before allowing it to cool slightly. This step gives your bars a sturdy, crunchy foundation that won’t get soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. This combination creates a rich, velvety filling that’s perfectly dense yet light enough to pair beautifully with the spiced apples topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced apples until just softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the apples become tender and syrupy. This mixture adds a lovely, warm spiced sweetness that feels like autumn in each bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your creamy cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Spoon the warm apple topping over the filling and gently smooth it out. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle. This gentle baking ensures the cheesecake bars remain creamy and luscious rather than dry or overcooked.
Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
While the bars bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, simmering for several minutes until the sauce thickens just slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt. Allow this sauce to cool, so it thickens further and is perfect for drizzling over your cheesecake bars once they’re chilled.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Let the baked bars cool at room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial to let the cheesecake set fully for clean slices. Just before serving, slice into squares and generously drizzle with your homemade salted caramel sauce for that final mouthwatering touch.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top after drizzling the caramel sauce. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few thin apple slices can also brighten the bars and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to highlight the rich creaminess of the cheesecake. A warm cup of spiced tea or fresh apple cider also pairs beautifully for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these bars to a party or wanting to impress guests, try layering the bars with extra caramel sauce inside a glass dessert dish to create a “cheesecake parfait.” You can also cut them into bite-sized squares, skewer with a cinnamon stick, and serve as a cute hand-held treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salted caramel apple cheesecake bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled not only preserves freshness but also helps maintain the perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, you can lightly warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you desire a softer texture. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the cheesecake filling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and texture, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. Just make sure to adjust sugar levels if your apples are very sweet.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free alternative or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure your flour substitute is also gluten-free to keep the filling stable.
Can I prepare the caramel sauce in advance?
Definitely. The salted caramel sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm gently before drizzling over the bars for the best texture.
Why is the cheesecake center slightly jiggly when baked?
This is normal and indicates the cheesecake is perfectly baked to stay creamy without becoming dry. It will fully set as it cools and chills in the fridge.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, just use a larger baking pan or two pans and adjust baking times accordingly. Keep an eye on the bars as baking times may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting blanket of flavors that celebrate autumn’s best offerings. From the crunchy crust to the creamy filling and luscious caramel, this recipe has all the hallmarks of a true crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try these bars and experience the joy they bring to every occasion. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling topped with tender sautéed apples and a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars offer a comforting blend of flavors ideal for dessert lovers looking for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Add Butter to Crust: Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and all-purpose flour until fully blended and smooth.
- Assemble the Filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sauté Apples: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Spices and Cook: Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the apples. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and syrupy, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Top the Cheesecake: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling and gently spread with a spoon.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggles when shaken; it should not be liquid.
- Make Caramel Sauce: While baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer and cooking for 3-4 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Allow sauce to cool before using.
- Cool the Bars: Once baked, cool the bars in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Serve: Slice into squares and drizzle with the cooled salted caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- You can prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it; gently warm before drizzling.
- For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly and use a knife warmed in hot water.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt in the caramel sauce according to your taste preference.
